Grand Cayman Weather

The Cayman Islands are in the northeast trade wind belt of the Caribbean and enjoy a stable climate. “Cool” winter nights and hot summer days are the year-round norm, influenced only occasionally by winter storms known as Nor’westers, or tropical storms and hurricanes. Summer humidity can be uncomfortable, but the cool sea breezes bring relief.

The Cayman Islands bask in tropical warmth year-round. While much of the Western Hemisphere is blanketed by snow, dark clouds or persistent rain, our weather is warm sunshine and a light breeze. There are two seasons: the ‘wet’ (June-November) and the ‘dry’ (December – May). Luckily for the flora and fauna on the island, it does rain occasionally, especially in May and October. However, showers are usually brief, and the sky remains gloriously blue most of the time for optimum Grand Cayman diving.

What about hurricanes?
Tropical storms and hurricanes are a fact of life in the Caribbean, but large storms are infrequent and the weather is constantly monitored. So, don’t let the remote chance of a hurricane stop you from coming, but be wise and purchase travel insurance just in case. This will ensure that, if the worst comes to worst, you don’t lose the money for the whole Cayman diving trip and it will also cover you if you are forced to evacuate. Bear in mind that you won’t be able to make a claim if you have purchased travel insurance after a hurricane was already foretasted and named, so get it when you make your Grand Cayman diving travel plans.

When to travel?
The simple answer to this is – anytime! There isn’t a bad time to come to the Cayman Islands, unless you happen to encounter a hurricane. However, you can minimize the chance of that happening by visiting outside hurricane season, which runs 1 June to 30 November. Visitors are willing to pay premium prices to flee the cold back home in the winter months, and a nice warm Christmas and New Year are always popular, and therefore more expensive. During the summer months you’ll find bargain airfare and cheaper accommodation, and the Islands are only slightly hotter. The weather is generally very humid in the rainy season, and can at times be quite muggy. There is always a chance of rain, but it seldom lasts more than an hour. Water temperatures are also slightly cooler in the dry season. In terms of the tourism trade – the dry season is the high season for Cayman Islands diving.

Caribbean Sunshine
The temperature varies little throughout the year, averaging 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 85 degrees in the summer, and generally stays within the range of 70-90 degrees. Most visitors remember to wear sunscreen when the sun is out or if they’re spending time on the beach. The time most people get burned is when there is little cloud cover, or when they’re out and about shopping or sightseeing. To avoid painful sunburn, always wear a high factor sunblock and keep reapplying throughout the day. Wear a hat and make sure your kids wear one too! Always remember to drink plenty of water (not soft drinks) all day long to keep hydrated.